This is the Open Forum Coffee Talk. That means ... anything goes. Ask a question, make a suggestion, share a story, offer some advice -- the floor is yours!

Rebecca Teti

Comments

Hi everyone and blessed Holy week to you! We are having a "potluck" at church after both morning Masses--and I am not sure what to bring? Last year I made mini-pecan sticky buns and they went over really well, but they were rather time-intensive. Any different ideas?
Also I have a dear friend who just found out that she is allergic to several things...like 50 {!} I am offering prayers and support to her but don't know the best way to help? Several of her kids have the same allergies, and she feels guilty about this. She is pretty much in shock, and needs to change her whole paradigm of food/cooking/nourishing her family. Pretty much everything on her mini-farm is the problem. Prayers for her, and any other ideas, would be MOST appreciated!

Posted on Mar 26th, 2013 at 2:24 PM by Donna L.

Donna L., I like to bring biscotti to things like this. It is easy to make, hard to mess up and doesn't make too much of a mess. Giada Laurentis has a good recipe on Foodtv.com for Holiday biscotti, although it is written for Christmas, I think an orange/cranberry flavor would be great for Spring time too.

Posted on Mar 26th, 2013 at 3:09 PM by Danielle M.

Donna, I have a recipe from Pampered Chef where you use crescent rolls to make mini cinnamon rolls--they go very quickly here, and are quick to make. Maybe that would work for you? Just press 2 triangles into a rectangle, spread with softened butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar. Roll, starting on the short side, and cut into 5 mini rolls. One can makes 20 mini rolls and fits in an 8 inch pan. Of course, I think you should add the pecans too, but my family doesn't care for them. ;) No advice for your friend with the allergies, but I'll say a prayer!

Posted on Mar 26th, 2013 at 3:18 PM by Mary Therese

My daughter is peanut and tree nut allergic. My first suggestion about what to bring for the potluck is that whatever you make, make an ingredient list available at the potluck. Any situation that involves homemade food is a nightmare for food allergic people--which leads me to your friend. I strongly suggest that she look at www.foodallergy.org, which is the official website for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. It has of useful and reliable advice on it. It also has links to allergy support groups and online forums. (There are a ton of such groups out there, but the ones on this site have to meet certain criteria to be listed and are therefore pretty reliable.) Beyond that, just be a good listener for your friend. Being diagnosed with that many allergies means she's going to have to rethink a lot of how she lives her life--from eating out to shopping to attending parties and donut socials. It can all be very disorienting.

Posted on Mar 26th, 2013 at 3:30 PM by MR

Thank you ladies, for those great potluck ideas! MR thank you for the "heads-up" I will make the ingredient list to help those trying to navigate that challenge. Yes, from living the "self-sufficient life" of dairy cow, chickens and eggs and lots of homemade things--that they were eating on a daily basis to not...will be a big change!

Posted on Mar 26th, 2013 at 6:19 PM by Donna L.

I love my crockpot for potlucks (and care calendar type meals). You can make a pot roast which is super simple and very tasty. Hot main dishes always go well. The down side is you need a place to plug it in...... Also, I am a fan of trifle (esp fruit this time of year). Bake a white cake. Crumble it up. Then layer the cake, berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries), vanilla pudding. Looks good, tastes great, always a success! And finally, I'm from Texas, and cold watermelon is super easy. Takes about 10 minutes to cut up but everyone always makes it disappear.

Posted on Mar 26th, 2013 at 8:31 PM by JM

This replica Chanel backpack is fabricated from calfskin.Its trim is leather.It is belted with tweed.There are several multifunction pockets area user can put their corpuscle phone,lipstick,make-up,etc.I begin that the blush of gucci replica the replica Chanel can fit about all kinds of clothes.It is not bad to own it.What abroad can we ask for a replica handbag?I bought this replica Gucci backpack from an online store.I like this affectionate of handle bag actual much.The apparel in the backpack surface,which appearance the adorableness of louis vuitton replica the artist handbag,are fabricated on purpose by the designer.This replica Gucci makes me feel adequate and affluence if I airing about with it.It is glassy in black.I can abrasion any affectionate of clothes to bout it.So I don't charge absorb time abrading my arch and contemplate which clothing to abrasion in the morning.Gucci is no agnosticism a name humans can trust.A Gucci backpack is one you'll be appreciative to own if you can afford.If it it's out of question,bethink there are some agitating replica Gucci handbags in the market.They'll amount you a atom of what an accurate Gucci bag would amount you and you'll attending great.If you wish to chanel replica buy Breitling Replica Watches,you will accept to accomplish a quick analysis on it on the Google as you will go through a account of top replica watches companies over there and accept cartier replica your 100% able aggregation out of the all.Moreover Replica Breitling Bentley Watches are actual adequate actualization accessories.That is why they do not could cause any array of affliction or abasement to you at all.Stunningly online Breitling Replica Watches industry makes you accessible discounted replica watch globally.

It’s a tremendous post. I am truly grateful for this blog and I was in fact looking for something
impressive like this should stay longer here, discount codesread all the post very nice posting you have

The info makes sense as well as fascinating. I'm not able to thanks sufficient for that weblogs in your web site. I'm truly thrilled through this particular publishing you have provided all of us. Make sure you click the link check cashing oceanside To learn more. Thanks.

Mission Statement|Catholic Digest connects with readers through personal stories of triumphs and struggles, joys and challenges, and also the lighter side of Catholic living. We are a source of support and encouragement for those who love their faith, those who struggle with their faith, and those who long to learn more about the richness of Catholic tradition.

We seek the positive in the world and in our Church. We emphasize those things that Catholics are doing right and well as a means of inspiring and encouraging others to do the same. We are hope-filled, optimistic, and forward-looking.

We highlight the goodness and beauty of God’s creation and the truths of His Church. We find abundant joy in Catholic living and aim to express that joy through inspiring words, images, and ideas.

We move our readers beyond inspiration and toward action. We give Catholics the information, tools, and resources they need to answer God’s call to holiness and bring the light of Christ to others.

Catholic life is both uniquely joyful and uniquely challenging. At Catholic Digest, we invite all to join us as we encourage and support one another in the joyful, challenging, important work of faith and family living.